A FIERCE sporting rivalry was set aside as the first ladies of Newcastle United and Sunderland launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a North-East shopping centre.

In the black and white corner was Lorelle Shepherd, wife of Magpies chairman Freddie Shepherd, while in the red and white corner was Sue Murray, wife of Black Cats boss Bob Murray.

It was the first meeting between the two as they donned pink bows to show their support for nationwide fundraising activities during October.

The event took place at the Eldon Garden Shopping Centre, in Newcastle. An information desk from the Royal Victoria Infirmary is situated on the ground floor of the shopping centre. Staff are available to answer enquiries about early detection of the disease